Home Care Resources & Payment Assistance
A free guide for families in Raleigh, Cary, and Wake County — covering payment options, local support programs, and resources for seniors, high-risk mothers, and family caregivers.
Senior Support — Wake County
Local Resources for Older Adults & Families
These organizations serve older adults and their families in Raleigh, Cary, and Wake County. Many services are free or low-cost.
Resources for Seniors is the primary aging services organization in Wake County, connecting older adults and families to a comprehensive directory of home and community-based services. They operate multiple Total Life Centers and Senior Centers across the county.
Wake County’s official senior services program providing adult placement services, protective services, guardianship, and connections to aging resources for Wake County residents. Part of Wake County Human Services.
The Area Agency on Aging for the Central Pines region connects older adults, caregivers, and families to aging services, benefits counseling, and CAP/DA waiver referrals. They maintain a service partner directory for the central NC region.
Dial 211 to connect with a live specialist who can help you find local health and human services — including senior care, food assistance, transportation, housing, and caregiver support. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in Wake County. Meal delivery also provides a daily safety check-in for isolated older adults.
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving offers free phone-based services for seniors experiencing social isolation. Services include daily check-in calls (under 5 minutes) and longer social calls to address loneliness — at no cost.
Maternal & Pregnancy Support
Resources for High-Risk & Postpartum Mothers
These programs support expectant and new mothers in Raleigh, Cary, and Wake County — including high-risk pregnancies, postpartum care, and financial assistance.
NC Medicaid provides health coverage for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for pregnant women with income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Extended postpartum coverage is now available for 12 months after delivery — even if income changes.
Wake County’s CMHRP program provides free one-on-one care management for pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in NC Medicaid who have certain medical or social risk factors. Care managers provide virtual and in-person support including home visits.
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. Income must be below 185% of the federal poverty level. Women on Medicaid automatically meet income eligibility.
PSI provides support, resources, and connections for mothers and families experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Their helpline connects callers with local support groups, trained volunteers, and mental health resources.
WakeMed’s Women’s Pavilion is a major maternity and women’s health center in Raleigh providing high-risk obstetric care, NICU services, and postpartum support for families in Wake County.
UNC’s Maternal Fetal Medicine program specializes in high-risk pregnancies including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, multiple gestations, and other complications. Locations in Raleigh and Chapel Hill serve the Triangle.
Caregiver Support
Resources for Family Caregivers
Family caregivers are often the most overlooked people in the care equation. These resources exist specifically to support you — not just your loved one.
The NC Caregiver Support Program provides information, assistance, and supplemental services to family caregivers of older adults and adults with disabilities in North Carolina. Services are coordinated through local Area Agencies on Aging.
AARP provides a wide range of free caregiving resources including guides, online tools, a caregiver helpline, and local programs for North Carolina family caregivers. The AARP Caregiver Resource Center is available online and by phone.
The Caregiver Action Network provides education, peer support, and resources for family caregivers nationwide. Their free resources include disease-specific guides, a caregiver help desk, and online support communities.
Respite care gives family caregivers scheduled, reliable breaks while a professional caregiver steps in. PR Home Care provides flexible respite care and lifestyle support for older adults across the Triangle — giving family caregivers the time they need to recharge.
Getting Started
How to Apply for Benefits & Programs
Not sure where to start? Here is a simple path most Wake County families follow to connect with the right programs for their situation.
Call NC 211 First
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone. A live specialist will listen to your situation and connect you to the most relevant local programs — for free, 24/7, in English and Spanish.
Contact Resources for Seniors
Call 919-713-1556. They are the primary senior resource organization in Wake County and can help you navigate local options, make referrals, and identify programs you may not know about.
Apply for Medicaid Through NC ePASS
Go to epass.nc.gov to apply for Medicaid online. Once Medicaid eligibility is confirmed, you or your provider can request a CAP/DA waiver assessment for home care services.
Veterans — Contact Your County VSO
The Wake County Veterans Service Office in Garner (919-664-1160) provides free, accredited help applying for VA benefits including Aid & Attendance. Do not pay anyone to help you apply — VSO services are always free.
Consider Private Pay While You Wait
Many benefit programs have waitlists. Private pay home care can begin immediately while you’re waiting for benefits to come through — giving your loved one support now rather than later.
📞 Quick Reference — Most Important Numbers
NC 211: Dial 2-1-1 (free, 24/7)
Resources for Seniors: 919-713-1556
NC Medicaid: 888-245-0179
Wake County DSS: 919-250-3830
Central Pines AAA: 800-310-9777
NC LIFTSS (CAP/DA): 833-522-5429
Wake County VSO: 919-664-1160
WIC Helpline: 1-844-601-6881
PSI (Postpartum): 800-944-4773
PR Home Care: (919) 348-9943
⚠️ A Note on Benefit Scams
You should never have to pay someone to help you apply for Medicaid, VA benefits, or other government programs. Veterans Service Officers, Area Agency on Aging staff, and NC 211 specialists provide free help.
If someone asks you to pay a fee to apply for government benefits — that is a red flag. Contact your County DSS or Veterans Service Office directly instead.
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Navigating home care options and payment programs can feel overwhelming. PR Home Care is happy to talk through your family’s situation — even if you’re not ready to start services yet. Our consultations are free and there is no obligation.